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Motte to get update on right elbow Tuesday

Proving 2011 was no fluke, Jason Motte had a sub-3.00 ERA and 10.75 K/9 rate in 2012 and should excel in 2013 once a mild elbow strain heals

By Jenifer Langosch
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- Closer Jason Motte anticipates receiving some clarity as to how his right elbow is recovering when he visits with Dr. George Paletta on Tuesday. Motte is scheduled to undergo an MRI as part of a follow-up exam with the Cardinals' team physician.

"Tomorrow, we'll be able to compare where we were to where we are," Motte said before Monday's home opener. "From there, we'll move forward with what they'll let me do or not do. If they say everything looks fine, we'll move on from there. It just depends on what they say I need or don't need."

Motte has not picked up a baseball since feeling tightness in his right elbow after appearing in a March 21 Grapefruit League game. He traveled with the club on the last road trip and continues to follow a prescribed set of arm exercises in order to strengthen his elbow.

In Motte's absence, Mitchell Boggs will continue to be the fill-in closer. With his save on Saturday, Boggs became the first St. Louis pitcher aside from Motte to save a game since 2011.